Emotional Zach Thomas calls it quits as a Miami Dolphin

An emotional and humble Zach Thomas called an end to his 14-year NFL career Thursday shortly after signing a one-day contract that allowed him to retire as a Dolphin.

Thomas, who amassed 2,043 tackles in his career — which included 12 seasons with Miami, one with Dallas and the 2009 training camp with Dallas — made the announcement at the Dolphins’ practice facility where he was joined by wife Maritza and four-month-old son Christian Zachary.

“I’m more nervous than in any game I’ve ever played,” Thomas said.

Thomas was introduced by General Manager Jeff Ireland and coach Tony Sparano, both of whom pointed to his “makeup” as the principle reason he played at such a high level for so long.

“Tough, smart, disciplined, passionate,” Sparano said. “This player has possessed all of those qualities.” Sparano and Ireland were both in Dallas when Thomas played his final season with the Cowboys.

Thomas said he was “both sad and happy” in bringing an end to a career that began in rural Texas 28 years ago. “The game’s been good to me,” he said, adding that he was “going to miss my second family.”

Thomas thanked a variety of people, starting with teammates such as Dan Marino, Trace Armstrong, O.J. McDuffie and Tim Bowens, whom he called “my protector.”

When it came to coaches, he started with Jimmy Johnson and included Dave Wannstedt, Dom Capers, Randy Shannon, Jim Bates, George Edwards and his high school coach, Max Plum, whom he credited with teaching him how to read defenses.

Thomas said he called his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, on Wednesday and asked if he would ask the Dolphins if it might be arranged for him to end his career as a member of the team. He said it took “about two minutes” for GM Jeff Ireland to text back that he was all for it. Thomas will be paid $1 in the deal and joked that Rosenhaus “tried to make it $3.”

Thomas was voted to seven Pro Bowls, second on the team to Marino’s nine. He was also fourth in starts and fifth in games played, both in 168.